Chimbonda completes return to Spurs - but won't be eligible for vital clash with Stoke

26 January 2009 02:56

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Back in town: Pascal Chimbonda has completed his return to Spurs after just six months at Sunderland - but won't be available for tomorrow night's relegation battle against Sunderland.
However, newly signed goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini did put pen to paper in time for tomorrow's match.
Redknapp says skipper Ledley King will miss the Stoke game due to a hamstring problem, and fellow centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is doubtful with back trouble, meaning Chimbonda's presence would have been a timely boost for Spurs' struggling back line .
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Chimbonda heading back to Tottenham after six months at Sunderland
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The White Hare Lane boss said: 'The deal should have been done this morning, but we over-ran the deadline and it was done something like 15 minutes late.
'It is disappointing, because if we had completed it 15 minutes earlier, he would have been available against Stoke. But we are delighted to have him back. He has energy and gets forward, as a good attacking full-back should.
'He was outstanding at centre-back for Sunderland against Blackburn on Saturday, and he can play anywhere across the back four.'
Keeping up appearances: Carlo Cudicini is eligible to face Stoke.
Despite a patchy start to the season for Sunderland, Chimbonda had been showing signs of a return to form. He had started the last four games and impressed against Blackburn in the FA Cup playing at centre-half instead of full-back.
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia was full of praise for the defender and said he was sorry to see him leave. He said: 'I thought he was outstanding on Saturday but he has struggled personally.
'He's struggled to settle. We had an opportunity to maybe make things a little bit happier for him.'
Wigan first brought Chimbonda to the Premier League from French side Bastia but the full-back lasted just one season before his excellent form prompted Tottenham to seal his signature for£4.5m in August 2006.
Sbragia declined to reveal the fee, but it is understood the club would recoup what they paid Spurs for the one-cap France international - thought to be around£3m.
Goalkeeper Cudicini joined Chimbonda in signing for Spurs today, meaning Redknapp has now added four players to his squad this month.
Cudicini, 35, has signed an 18-month deal after being released by Chelsea on a free transfer, and is expected to make his debut at White Hart Lane tomorrow.
'Chelsea can confirm Carlo Cudicini has signed for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer,' read a Chelsea statement. 'The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Carlo for his years of service and wish him well.'
No deal: Harry Redknapp has been blocked in his attempts to raid Sunderland again with a move for striker Kenwyne Jones.
Redknapp had been looking for a goalkeeper since releasing reserve Cesar Sanchez earlier this month, however he expects to be thwarted in his attempts to sign Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland.
The Wearsiders have signalled their intention to keep the Trinidadian striker, meaning Redknapp's hunt for a partner for Jermain Defoe goes on.
Redknapp added: 'Our chairman Daniel Levy has spoken to their chairman Niall Quinn, but he is not for sale, so we move on.
'There is nothing we can do. Daniel and Niall have spoken quite a few times, but if there is no deal, there is no deal.'
Redknapp now hopes Woodgate will recover from a back problem in time to play tomorrow, but winger Aaron Lennon remains a doubt with a groin injury.
More.
Tottenham v STOKE: Fuller back from ban to boost Potters
Hatchet man: Chimbonda move to Spurs is looking a mistake all round
Tottenham complete signing of Cudicini from Chelsea to put pressure on Gomes
Chimbonda heading back to Tottenham after six months at Sunderland
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET
SUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET